If you’d like to be able to refer to types of veils by their official names, here are the different styles, and even a suggestion of what types of gowns they look best with, as seen in Brides magazine.
1. BLUSHER This below-chin-length look, often attached to a longer veil, is worn over the face during the processional. Traditionally, dad flips it back once you reach the groom. Wear it with: a sheath, slip dress, or super-size ballgown.
2. CATHEDRAL You’ll need an ultra formal setting (big church, grand ballroom) to pull off this regal style, which cascades at least 10 feet from the headpiece. Wear it with: a major ballgown or princess frock.
3. BIRDCAGE If you want to go retro, choose this fishnet look that covers some or all of the face. A fave of 40’s starlets, birdcage veils often have a flower or feather detailed comb or are attached to a hat. Wear it with: a slinky bias cut gown or skirt suit that recalls old Hollywood glam.
4. FLYAWAY Short and sweet, this multi-layered veil brushes the shoulders. Wear it with: any dress that’s flirty, fun, and a little 50’s – think a fitted off-the-shoulder bodice and ballerina pouf skirt.
5. MANTILLA Say “si” to this Spanish style made from ornate lace. It can be short or long. Wear it with: a minimally embellished A-line gown that won’t compete with the veil’s elaborate design.
6. WATERFALL Rippling edges are the distinctive detail on this veil, which is short in front and gets longer as it spills down your back. Wear it with: a structured strapless style, which will be softened by the fluid folds of the veil.
For additional bridal fashion design information please contact Liane McCombs Wedding & Event Planning at 775.786.1730 or visit www.lianemccombs.com
A long formal dress is suitable for a church wedding of a civil ceremony although many brides do prefer wearing a smart dress or tailored suit for the Registry office. Some religions also frown on sleeveless dresses or low cut outfits and this will need to be taken into account too. No matter which style you pick, remember that the back view is as important as the front, you will have your back to everyone during the ceremony. Choose fabric that is resistant to crushing and creasing. Detachable trains that can be removed or hooked up are also wise. Dress ideas and colors will need to be discussed with the groom without revealing all the details so that the colors and styles of the wedding party can be coordinated. Look In The Mirror Be realistic and don't try and aim for what Hollywood starlets look like on their wedding days, most of us don't have personal trainer and chefs to look after us and help keep us in shape. Don't set your goal posts too close to the moon, you will only be disappointed and feel like a failure when your big day is meant to be a celebration of your love for one another. Concentrate on the real you! Think about what you normally wear, what colors suit you and which styles flatter you figure and most important, which outfits make you feel on top of the world, what type of ceremony and theme are you looking to create-traditional or relaxed, formal or informal. Colors White dresses are not obligatory these days, if you don't feel white is your color or will complement you then don't wear it. Wedding gowns are becoming increasingly popular in cream, pale gold, pale blue, pale pink and red. There is also a trend these days to go for darker colors like burgundy or shades of green which is a beautiful idea for a Christmas wedding. You will feel better in a dress that flatters your complexion or one of your favorites instead of going with white because it seems to be the norm. If wearing a bright colored dress the details should be kept to a minimum. The Right Style For Your Shape Choosing a style that flatters your shape can make a huge difference to how you look and also give you a huge confidence booster. Trying on dresses that either don't suit your body or the ceremony is not only a waste of time, but can also depress you. You might find that you give in and buy the wrong dress anyway. A sure fire way to put a damper on your big day. Tall and Thin Choose a ball gown with a strapless, fitted bodice Bony shoulders or collar bones can will suit dresses with a higher neckline that are long and fitted If you feel you are too thin for this style consider that you can set of your height and leanness with some delicate detailed embroidery or beading. Short With a Fuller, Feminine Figure Try an empire line dress which has a seam under the bust line and in the right fabric, the dress will flow instead of cling. A Knee length dress will also look good, the longer dress will add height and give you a taller silhouette. Sleeves should also be long but not too tight if considered. Thick Waist Conceal a wide waist with a boned corset or wear a decorative jacket that falls just below the waistline Avoid fitted ballerina styles Very Full Bust To draw attention away from the bust choose a dress with a long bodice or cowl neck Dresses with a natural waistline will draw attention to the bust area Pick a plain bodice and avoid low necklines Pick a detailed hem if you want to add a little embellishment Full or Wide Hips Avoid bustles and ruffles or tiered dresses Most styles will look great but avoid tight styles around the hips Princess styles that are fitted on the top and flare slightly to the hem will help disguise larger hips Ball gown styles in simple fabrics will also draw attention away from the hips Big bottom Avoid bows or back fastening ties Consider a light train from the top of the bodice or waist Wide Shoulders Wide straps will narrow the appearance of your shoulders or cover thencompletely Draw the focus to a v-neckline Wearing a sheer wrap will also soften the effect Do not wear puffed sleeves, don't even consider them! Short or Heavy Legs Opt for a long dress Sheath styles which are straight but not too clingy will add height Short Arms Three Quarter length sleeves will be flattering Do not go sleeveless Chubby Arms Choose long simple sleeves that are not too tight Wear a bolero, shrug or wrap Some Guidelines When Deciding On a Dress: Try on as many different styles as you like and view them from as many different angles as possible, take some shoes along that will be similar in height to the ones you may wear. To get the full effect have the shop fit you out in a veil with the dress as you wont want to take your wedding dress with you when you go veil shopping Take your time to make a decision and don't feel pressured by pushy salespeople How much deposit is required and when is the balance due Does the price include VAT How much extra are the alterations How far before the wedding must you order How many fitting will be required and do they offer Saturday or after work hour fittings Can you arrange a fitting with accessories, lingerie and shoe Get confirmation of all appointments and money paid in writing How far before the wedding will the dress arrive Do the shop offer storage garment bags Ask about the care instructions for getting the crease out before yourbig day What is the shops policy on cancellations Have you added the dress to your wedding insurance If You Are Going to Rent Your Dress Check to see if the chosen dress will be available on your day, cleaned and ready for collection. Does the rental price include a full 24 hours? Does the dress have to be cleaned before its returned (an added expense) After the wedding who will be entrusted with delivering the dress back to the hire shop?
Bridal veils have a rich and rumored history. They are believed to date back as far as the Roman Empire, where brides were covered with bright red and yellow wedding bridal veils to protect them from evil spirits that might whisk them away before entering the sage union with their husband. The fabric was meant to completely hide the beauty from the malicious intent of bad spirits.
Headpieces have been used greatly in outdoor and beach weddings due to their simple and elegant feel. In an Eastern Orthodox wedding, the headpieces are blessed and exchanged three times. after this ceremonial exchange, the couple is pronounced married. Bridal headpieces and veils are also traditional in Finnish weddings. After the union ceremony, there is a dance where the bride places her headpiece or wedding veil on one of the bridesmaids. Like the Western tradition of throwing the bouquet, this Finnish practice means that the designated bridesmaid will be the next to marry.
Some say that the tradition of donning wedding bridal veils dates back to the Bible. In the story of Jacob, in the Old Testament, his father-in-law, Laban, tricks Jacob into marrying the wrong woman. Because of the heavily masked veil that was not raised until after the union was complete, Jacob married the older and homelier Leah instead of the young and beautiful Rachel. Rachel was his one true love, and the deceit resulted in Jacob eventually having both as his wives. They story also resulted in the Jewish practice where a groom lowers the veil before the ceremony and lifts the veil before the kiss.
